Freshwater Future Weekly: May 12, 2023
Join Us for Upcoming Water Watchers & Wellness Sessions
Water Watchers & Wellness sessions are designed to help grassroot environmental and community group leaders grow their leadership and reach their goals. Each session includes guided tips on mindfulness and movement for self-care. Our next session on May 25th, 2023 at 11:30 AM EST, Jill Ryan, Executive Director, will focus on the importance of nonprofit incorporation and how to become a 501(c )3 organization. Sign up for this session here. The following month’s session on June 22nd will focus on Zoom, Google, and Other Online Tools.
Benton Harbor Community Water Council leader, Reverend Pinkney Addresses United Nations about Safe Drinking Water
Reverend Edward Pinkney, a devout community leader, civil rights activist, pastor, and long-time frontline partner of Freshwater Future, was invited to speak at a United Nations forum on Wednesday, April 26th. Reverend centered his talk around water advocacy, justice, and his work with the Benton Harbor Community Water Council in the fight to ensure that his hometown had access to clean, safe, and affordable water. Learn more in our blog post!
Moderate Summer Harmful Algal Bloom Predicted for Western Lake Erie
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s models predict that Western Lake Erie will experience moderate Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) this summer. The severity of these HABs is expected to fall within the range of 2-6. HABs with a severity rating above 5 are of greater concern as they pose a higher risk to drinking water and recreational activities. An official Lake Erie HAB Seasonal Forecast will be issued on June 29th. Save the date for #WeAreLakeErie Day on August 31st to raise awareness about issues that Lake Erie faces such as toxic algal blooms that threaten drinking water for millions.
Flood Focus App Helping Detroit Neighborhoods Tackle Flooding Challenges
Spring rains may bring blooming flowers, but for many Detroit residents, rain triggers horrible memories of flooded basements and sewage backups, after 6.5 inches of rain fell in a short time in June 2021. The Flood Focus App, created through a partnership between Freshwater Future and Earth Economics is helping four Detroit communities document flooding. Data collected is mapped and provided to community leaders. These tools then help the community to find solutions aimed at tackling the local problem. One partner group, West Grand Boulevard Collaborative has documented flooding on the road adjacent to the Detroit Public Library Duffield Branch and is working to get a paved boulevard replaced with green infrastructure, such as a bioswale, that will hold rainwater and beautify the neighborhood.
Left: West Grand Boulevard Collaborative (WGBC) has documented major flooding on the road adjacent to the Detroit Public Library Duffield Branch.
Right: Cassandra Floyd, a member of the WGBC, is actively involved in the project aimed at replacing a paved boulevard next to the library with a green infrastructure solution.
No matter where you live, changing weather patterns can have an impact on your community. Climate impacts such as stronger storms causing increased flooding as well as longer periods of drought will need to be addressed in our communities. To learn more about what your community can do, view Freshwater Future’s online Climate Adaption Toolkit HERE, or send a request for the printed version to [email protected].
Join Freshwater Future at Patagonia’s 50th Anniversary Celebration in Chicago this Saturday, May 13th
Attention Chicagoland residents! Freshwater Future joins Patagonia at its Chicago Mag Mile retail store to celebrate Patagonia’s 50th anniversary. This exciting event will bring together local nonprofit organizations for an engaging day filled with conversations on environmental and social justice topics. From 10 am to 7 pm, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your knowledge and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. And to keep you fueled and refreshed throughout the day, delicious food and beverages will be served. Get all the details by clicking HERE, and mark your calendars for a day of inspiration, connection, and celebration.